< previous page page_518 next page >

Page 518
We go forward. We will take your banner, and we will cry Ian's name and fighting call. If they are his friends, they will not attack us. If they are his enemies, we will fall upon them."
"Go," Alinor agreed instantly, "but take my men also. You will need every sword."
"Do not be a fool. How dare I leave you unprotected? In any case, although they are more than we, they are weary already." He saw she was about to argue, and he saw from the stubborn set of her jaw that she would order the men out after him if he did not pacify her in some way. "I see you are determined," he said. "Very well, I will agree with you so far as this. Hold your men back for now. If you see that we are worsted, keep four or five of the best and fly for Clifford where you say your men lie. Send the others to our support. It will soon be dark. With their help, we should be able to make do until night falls. If God is willing, your men from Clifford may be here before the dawn."
"Done," Alinor agreed. "Go then. God go with you."
When she spoke, Alinor fully intended to keep her word, since Lord Llewelyn's plan seemed wise. She did not bother to silence the protests of some of her men, who felt that they were playing too passive a role in the rescue of their own lord. They might growl but they would obey her. There was no long time of doubting whether Llewelyn rode to meet friend or foe either. Hardly were his men clear of the trees and Ian's banner well visible, than the attackers began to turn from the walls.
What Lord Gwenwynwyn would have done had he had a free choice would never be known. Lord Llewelyn had no intention of allowing his rival to decide whether he would stand and fight or retreat. Gwenwynwyn, his rival for power in Wales, would not be allowed to slip through his fingers. So excellent a chance for blamelessly ruining Gwenwynwyn might never arise again. Even if truce had been cried. Llewelyn

 
< previous page page_518 next page >